Articles about Washington State Legislature

Opinion: Washington state’s tax debate is missing half the equation

Washington’s tax debate fixates on regressivity rankings, but overlooks how taxes shape economic behavior — and whether progressive-looking systems actually produce better outcomes for working families. Read More

Big tech dodged Washington state’s data center rules – but didn’t escape a sales tax bill

Big tech scored a big win with the defeat of data center regulations, but it lost a significant tax break for the facilities with Thursday’s 11th-hour passage of a Senate bill. Read More

The ‘Tesla exemption’ no more: Rivian and Lucid break through Washington state’s dealership wall

At the start of next year, Washington state shoppers will for the first time be able to visit showrooms for Rivian and Lucid Motors, take a test drive and buy an EV. Read More

Washington House passes 9.9% ‘millionaires tax’ as business leaders warn of ‘seismic shift’

Some tech leaders and entrepreneurs worry the legislation could undermine their sector by souring Washington’s relatively favorable tax laws for startup founders, investors and high-wage earners. Read More

Washington state bill to ban microchipping of employees heads to governor for approval

The bill prohibits employers from requiring, requesting or coercing employees to have microchips implanted in their bodies as a condition of employment, and would bar the use of subcutaneous tracking or identification technology for workplace management or surveillance. Read More

Washington state lawmakers target data center sales tax breaks to help plug $2B budget gap

Washington lawmakers are considering ending a sales tax break for data center owners when they replace equipment. Read More

Washington state bill allowing direct sales of Rivian and Lucid is speeding toward finish line

Washington lawmakers are racing to pass legislation to let Rivian and Lucid sell their EVs directly to consumers following Rivian’s threat to put the issue on the ballot. Read More

Microsoft urges major changes to Washington data center regulations as bill nears final vote

After weeks on the sidelines, Microsoft publicly declared its opposition to a bill that aims to rein in the environmental and economic impacts of the data center boom. Read More

Washington state is primed to let Rivian and Lucid sell EVs directly to consumers

Electric automakers have fought for years to change the state law that only allows Tesla to directly sell cars, operate showrooms and offer test drives to potential customers in Washington. Read More

Reviving the ‘Mosquito Fleet’: Washington eyes passenger ferries to scale maritime transit and tech

Supporters of a proposed bill argue that a fast-tracked, passenger-only ferry service would help workers commute, connect residents to medical care, and boost tourism in harder-to-reach areas. Read More

Group alleges fake sign-ins used to pad apparent opposition to Washington state ‘millionaires tax’

Invest in Washington Now said there have been tens of thousands of duplicate names used as sign-ins for hearings and more than 100 sign-ins marked “con” were confirmed as fraudulent over the weekend. Read More

Proposed income tax on high earners advances in Washington state

The so-called “millionaires tax,” which would create a 9.9% tax on income that exceeds $1 million, has drawn opposition from some tech leaders and entrepreneurs. Read More

Washington state has embraced data centers – but now it’s looking to set terms of engagement

Washington’s House on Saturday approved a slate of rules for data centers around energy costs and transparency. The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration. Read More

Washington’s ‘millionaires tax’ targets top earners as tech leaders warn of startup fallout

Washington leaders unveiled their so-called “millionaires tax” — a proposed 9.9% tax on personal income in excess of $1 million. Business leaders are worried about additional financial burdens in a shaky economy while supporters stress the growing affordability crisis. Read More

Proposals take aim at 3D printing tech to strengthen Washington state laws against ‘ghost guns’

Some industry leaders and hobbyists are alarmed by potential restrictions on 3D printing and CNC milling. Read More

Bill to tax short-term rentals returns in Washington state — along with Airbnb opposition

Senate Bill 5576 would allow counties, cities and towns to impose a tax of up to 4% on short-term rentals used by vacation guests on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo. The bill failed to advance during the 2025 session. Read More

Washington state bill targets private real estate listings and would require some public marketing

The trade group Washington Realtors is backing SB6091, a new draft bill aimed at curbing exclusive home marketing practices — while stopping short of mandating MLS participation. Read More

Microchipped at work? Washington state bill aims to ban employers from using ‘dehumanizing’ tech

House Bill 2303 seeks to prohibit employers from requiring, requesting or coercing employees to have microchips implanted in their bodies as a condition of employment. Read More

Despite status as a global tech hub, Seattle passengers still can’t hail a driverless ride

While taxi customers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and Atlanta can hail rides from driverless vehicles, passengers eager… Read More

Lawmaker behind controversial ‘Tesla tax’ explains why Washington is targeting EV credits

Critics of a Washington tax that would largely impact Tesla accuse the state’s Democratic lawmakers of taking punitive action against Elon… Read More

‘Tesla tax’ on EV credits quickly passed by Washington lawmakers with limited public input

Voting along party lines as the legislative session neared its end, Washington state lawmakers approved a controversial bill over the… Read More

Controversial ‘Tesla tax’ bill targeting EV credits is zooming through Washington Legislature

A late-breaking bill to create a new tax that would impact Tesla is speeding its way through the Washington state… Read More

Proposed law to rein in Uber and Lyft surge pricing stalls in Washington state

Washington state lawmakers have abandoned an attempt to limit the cost of ride-hailing fares during large public events. Senate Bill… Read More

Social media companies required to better protect teen users under bill passed by Washington Senate

The Washington state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that aims to protect kids from the potentially harmful impacts of… Read More

Washington lawmakers pursue rules aiming to protect kids from social media’s potential harm

Washington state lawmakers are moving ahead on legislation that aims to protect kids from the addictive impacts of social media… Read More

Lawmakers take aim at Uber and Lyft with bill targeting surge pricing after big events

After a big sporting event or arena concert, fans flood city streets in search of a Lyft or Uber ride.… Read More

Airbnb pushes back on new bill that would tax short-term rentals to fund housing in Washington

Opponents rallied at the Washington State Capitol in Olympia on Tuesday to voice their displeasure for a bill being considered… Read More

Washington state lawmakers pass bill to create task force to guide policy on AI

The Washington State Legislature passed a bipartisan proposal from Attorney General Bob Ferguson to create an Artificial Intelligence Task Force… Read More

Meet the ‘pragmatic progressive’ balancing tech and business interests with social issues

Washington state Rep. Amy Walen went to the state’s capitol planning to work on gun violence and affordable housing. But… Read More

Washington state lawmakers unanimously approve law to limit robocalls, hold telecoms accountable

The Washington state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved legislation to limit robocalls and empower residents and the state’s attorney general… Read More